Fighting Olympic Aversion

Posted on 03. Dec, 2009 by Kerry Banks in Featured, Fresh Trax

2010 WINTER OLYMPICS UPDATE

Whistler hopes record-breaking snows are enough

by Kerry Banks

Record-breaking snows in Whistler this month have been attracting droves of skiers. In fact, the resort has already surpassed its record for November snowfall, with several days still remaining for the month. Even so, tourism officials are worried about the effect of “Olympic Aversion,” a threat that has nothing to do with the weather.

“Olympic Aversion” is a documented phenomenon that kept people away from previous Olympic venues such as Turin, Salt Lake City and Beijing because of fears that the sites would be too crowded, too expensive, and with too much construction around and no accommodation available. Ominously, early reports indicate that accommodation bookings for this winter at Whistler are already behind.

Officials with Tourism Vancouver and Tourism Whistler are working hard to assure people that these sorts of concerns are not warranted. They want to make it clear to skiers, for example, that there are plenty of deals on lift tickets to be had, that 90 per cent of the skiable terrain will be open during the Olympics and also that the major construction was completed years ago. And though anyone who want to go to Whistler during the Olympics for the day to ski or snowboard will have to take a bus (no driving will be allowed), that scenario won’t come into play for a few months yet. In the meantime, Tourism Whistler claims there has never been a better time to visit the resort because visitors can gain a sneak preview of the Olympic site; transportation has been made easier; and people can try out the Olympic runs ahead of schedule.

What’s your take? How do you feel about not being able to drive to Whistler during the Olympics? Are you avoiding Whistler this winter because of preparations for the Games?

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How will I access Whistler during the 2010 Winter Games?

There will be no public parking in Whistler during the Games, so the best way to get to Whistler will be by bus services offered by private carriers. Travel by vehicle will be possible for visitors with accommodations if they have a permit (see below). Additional travel time will be required at Games time, no matter what mode of transportation you choose.

The best way to get where you need to go and avoid delays is by planning ahead, avoiding peak travel times and knowing your transportation options now before you step out the door in February 2010.

Ticket holders travelling from Vancouver to events at Whistler venues must do so using the Olympic Bus Network. You can book your Olympic Bus Network tickets in advance starting November 24, 2009.

Once in Whistler, public transportation will be the most convenient and preferred mode of transportation. There will be expanded bus routes in Whistler around the clock, seven days a week for the month of February 2010. Ticket holders travelling from within Whistler to events at Whistler venues can do so by using this service.

More details can be found at www.travelsmart2010.ca.

I heard that there will be a checkpoint along the highway to Whistler. Will that affect me?

Given the need to manage traffic flow to Whistler during the Games, a checkpoint will be in effect on the Sea to Sky Highway near the Alice Lake turn-off, north of Squamish. The checkpoint will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from February 11 to 28, 2010.

To pass through this checkpoint within the 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. window, visitors to Whistler must have an official permit. Visitors who choose to drive to Whistler by private vehicle should get this permit mailed to them from their hotel before leaving home. If you don’t get this from your hotel in advance, you must get one from one of the Sea to Skypermit offices (located in either Whistler, Squamish, Pemberton or Vancouver) before you begin your trip up the highway. You will not be allowed to pass through the checkpoint without a visible permit; simply having a hotel reservation confirming parking is not sufficient. If you arrive at the checkpoint without a permit (but you have a hotel reservation confirming parking), you will be required to go the Sea to Sky permit office in Squamish to get one before continuing your trip up the highway to Whistler. If you travel outside the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. window, you do not require a permit.

Day skiers and other visitors to Whistler are encouraged to take commercial motor coaches or travel during off peak hours. You do not require a permit if travelling by bus.

Lead photo courtesy iStock.

Tags: 2010 Winter Olympics, Transportation, Whistler snowfall